Science Rejects Supernaturalism and Vitalism - Hall's 2010 ISBN 0763760390

here, I cite from an undergraduate science survey text centered on evolutionary science.  Note how, even within the undergraduate, nonscience major context, concepts such as supernaturalism and vitalism are overtly stated as nonscientific [see 001., below]; then I point out the anomaly of naturopathy, which at the doctoral level makes the absurd claim that those two concepts are indeed within science [see 002., below]:

001. Hall, B.K. (PhD{zoology} UNE, DSc{biological sciences} UNE) writes in "Evolution: Principles and Processes" (0763760390;2010) [the book is viewable at Amazon.com, in part]: 

"[this book is] written for students without a scientific background taking a one-term course [...and it] begins with a introduction to the nature of science [{on back cover}...regarding] vital force [or] vitalism [...] gaining freedom from such [religious-like, vacuous!] constraints was more difficult for biology (especially for evolution) than it was for physics or chemistry [p.433...] vitalism: the concept that the activities of living organisms cannot be explained by any underlying physical or chemical principles but arise from unknowable internal or supernatural causes [p.g21...] Darwin's works made clear that society no longer needed to believe that only the actions of a supernatural creator could explain biological relationships [p.435...] despite the overwhelming scientific evidence for evolution as a natural process, some religous groups adhering to creation[ism] have developed intelligent design as a purported scientific alternative to evolution.  'Intelligent design' is latter-day creationism [...but] Kitzmiller v. Dover [..ruled it] a form of religion and not science [...] because intelligent design relies on supernatural explanations rather than natural causes, it is not science [...] religious arguments [...] are not scientific explanations and should not be confused with, or regarded as, scientific explanations [p.440]."

Note: science does not, obviously, include supernaturalism and vitalism.  Dr. Hall has both a doctorate in zoology, and in biological sciences.  This is a mainstream undergraduate biology textbook that, I think, speaks well for the preponderance of science regarding these two issues.  Vitalism, historically, impeded research, thus the language of "gaining freedom from such constraints."  It was regarded as a place-filler that diverted scientists from the gaining of actual knowledge, much as the "god did it" supernatural place-filler explained nothing -- essentially.

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002. now, for the naturopathic.  Two versions come to mind that disqualify the naturopathic context or worldview as scientific.  There is the 'simple' Bastyr statement [see 002.a., below] and the 'more fractured' University of Bridgeport statement collection [see 002.b., below]:

002.a. Bastyr University, which has a naturopathic program that claims a "robust basic sciences curriculum" states, in their U.S. News and World Report [false] advertisement "Bastyr University" [vsc 2010-06-29]:

"Bastyr's international faculty teaches the natural health sciences with an emphasis on integrating mind, body, spirit and nature."

Note: the "nature" of course is naturopathy's central vitalistic context, the healing power of nature.  So, there you go, the supernatural and vitalistic falsely claimed to be within science.  Facts speak otherwise.  Integrating of course means to blend.  I have called such knowledge-type blending "epistemic conflation" [EC].  Science, truly, is not a conflation of knowledge types, but an "epistemic delineation."

002.b. the University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine does the same type of EC, except it is spread across more than one web page:

002.b1. UB states vitalism and supernaturalism in 5 of their 6 defining naturopathic principles / strictures [vsc 2010-06-29]:

"Six Guiding Principles: Guiding Principle #1, the Healing Power of Nature, Viz Medicatrix Naturae [...] the healing process is ordered and intelligent; nature heals through the response of the life force [vitalism]. The physician's role is to facilitate and augment this process ['the vitalistic context!'...] Six Guiding Principles: Guiding Principle #2, Identify and Treat the Cause, Viz Tolle Causam" [...] causes may occur on many levels including physical, mental, emotional and spiritual [supernaturalism...] in "Six Guiding Principles: Guiding Principle #3, First Do No Harm, Viz Primum no Nocere" [...] illiness [sp., illness!] is a purposeful [that is, teleological, which is also science-ejected] process of the organism. The process of healing includes the generation of symptoms which are, in fact, an expression of the life force [vitalism, claimed as fact!] attempting to heal itself. Therapeutic actions should be complimentary to and synergistic with this healing process ['this vitalistic context']. The physician's actions can support or antagonize the actions of he [sp., 'the!'] viz medicatrix naturae [...] Six Guiding Principles: Guiding Principle #4, Treat the Whole Person, The Multifactorial Nature of Health and Disease" [I guess they couldn't swing the Latin on that one, and considering the likelihood that their 'viz' is supposed to be 'vis', we're grateful] health and disease are conditions of the whole organism,a whole involving a complex interaction of physical, spiritual, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, social, and other factors. The physician must treat the whole person by taking all of these factors into account [...]  Six Guiding Principles: Guiding Principle #4,The Physician as Teacher, Viz Docere [...] the physician must also make a commitment to his/her personal and spiritual development in order to be a good teacher."

Note: so, they can't spell or proofread well and their Latin sucks.  So, five out of the six UB naturopathic strictures involve vitalism or supernaturalism [or teleology!].  Then, it is all labeled "science" [vsc 2010-06-29].  Again, EC.

003. fascinating.  Commerce, here in the academic area and then into the clinical area, occurring under OBVIOUSLY false labels. 

Note: now, an ND is obligated to this false position, by OATH.  Here is that oath [vsc 2010-06-29] by a Canadian CAND-AANP-AANMC type ND:

"I dedicate myself to the service of humanity as a practitioner of the art and science of naturopathic medicine [...] I will honor the principles of naturopathic medicine: first, to do no harm; to cooperate with the healing powers of nature [vitalism!]; to address the fundamental causes of disease; to heal the whole person [supernaturalism!] through individualised treatment; to teach the principles of healthy living and preventive medicine. With my whole heart, before these witnesses, as a doctor of naturopathic medicine, I pledge to remain true to this oath."

Note: the label of "science" upon principles, which, when looked at in detail, are science-ejected.

The big INTERNATIONAL logical inconsistency and ethical absurdity, of course is:

I pledge to remain true to this falsehood, for the benefit of society!  In actuality, society is being deceived, and science, modern doctoral education, and plain old common sense are being defecated upon.

Peterson's UBCNM ND Program Profile: The Label of Professional Science, The Reality of Nonprofessionality and Nonscience Irrationality

here, I cite from Peterson's “Graduate Programs in Business, Education, Health, Information Studies, Law and Social Work 2004” (ISBN 076891146x, 2003) [below, I will simply call this source “Peterson's”] which falsely labels UBCNM naturopathy 'professions-level science' [see 001., below]; while simultaneously labeling that program 'nonscience' i.e. essentially vitalistic and essentially supernatural [see 002.a., below]; then, I use UB's own web pages to show naturopathy's underlying essential nonscience context [see 002.b., below]:

001. Peterson's states in “University of Bridgeport College Of Naturopathic Medicine”:

001.a. per “profess”:

“the University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine offers an intensive program of professional education leading to the doctor of naturopathic medicine N.D. degree [p.2119].”

Note: professional, INTENSIVELY professional.  Supposedly.

001.b. per “scien”:

“during the first two years, studies include the foundation medical sciences […] the second two years are devoted to the clinical sciences such as [...] homeopathy […] the College offers state-of-the-art facilities through a newly renovated multidisciplinary Health Sciences Center, a complete outpatient medical center which includes treatment rooms, laboratories, X-ray capabilities, hydrotherapy facilities, and rehabilitation equipment under the supervision of naturopathic doctors […] each of the science courses [required for admission] must include a laboratory, must be passed with a grade of C or better, and must be a course offered for science majors […] a minimum GPA of 3.0 in science courses is preferred [p.2119].”

Note: so the claim is that the foundation of the naturopathic is science.  NOT!  And homeopathy is not a clinical science, by far.  Of course, UB places naturopathy categorically within the realm of health science anyway.  And obviously UB demands science-expertise and -acumen from their incoming doctoral candidates!  What's the point when...

002.a. Peterson's also states, on the same page:

“naturopathic medicine is grounded in the vitalistic tradition of medicine.”

Note: vitalistic, as in the “life force” figmentation or as I often express the whole thing, a belief in a 'purposeful life spirit' in charge of physiology.  You are not informed that labeling the vitalistic scientific is about as accurate as labeling Creation Science scientific.

002.b. you can see what the actual context of UBCNM naturopathy is at UB's own web site:

the science-ejected vitalistic and supernatural sectarian irrationally labeled scientific. Folks, that is called pseudoscience, and I've often called it, because it is so irrational, a mind-fuck.  Galore.  In fact, I've even called it “cultic mystical weirdness” at a deposition.

Note: this book, that declares itself “the authority,” is full of false nonsense regarding UBCNM naturopathy.  It is likely that MANY people were induced by it into studying naturopathy through its false labelings.  Again, seems to me that the pages of this book should be regarded as false-advertisement space.  Unfortunately for the unknowing public, the commerce is unfair and the State of Connecticut is quite complicit so ain't nothing going to be done about it: here's CT's own University system promoting naturopathic irrationality.

003. the professions:

adhere to the highest of ethical standards, credat emptor [let the buyer have faith].  But, obviously, naturopathy is so academically and institutionally incompetent and wacko [I'm being polite here] that the buyer shouldn't have any faith / trust in naturopathy at all. Because naturopathy does not tell the truth about itself.

AANMC Informs Us of UBCNM's "Science" status - 2009-12:

here, I cite from a recent Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges [AANMC] publication labeling naturopathy "science" [see 001., below]:

001. the AANMC recently published "UBCNM Increases Efforts in Integrated Medical Care" which states:

"the University of Bridgeport School of Naturopathic Medicine is one of the AANMC schools [...] UBCNM has partnered with St. Vincent’s Medical Center [...per] Dr. David M. Brady [is] vice provost of the University of Bridgeport Health Sciences Division [...] UBCNM professors' research published [...] UBCNM’s Dr. Jody Noé recently authored an article [...in] Integrative Cancer Therapies [...] ICT is the first journal to spearhead and focus on a new and growing movement in cancer treatment, a movement that emphasizes the scientific understanding of alternative medicine [...] UBCNM faculty member, Dr. Jared Skowron, will also be published this month. Fundamentals of Naturopathic Pediatrics [...] is a reference text for diagnostics and treatment of common pediatric conditions [...] it documents the scientific proof that natural remedies have been studied and are a safe and effective option when treating children [...] Coquina Deger.  Managing Editor, AANMC.  www.AANMC.org."

Note: so, we're told that naturopathy is academically "science", that it is "scientific", and supported by "scientific proof".

002. naturopathy loves to label itself scientific . [e.g.:

].

003. naturopathy is fundamentally based upon ideas that are science-ejected.

004. you could blow a brain gasget trying to get a handle on this absurdity.

Decoding Naturopathy's Science-Mislabeled Vitalism - Meyer, M. (ND UBCNM):

here, I analyze the verbiage of a University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine ND graduate Melanie Meyer who disguises naturopathy's essential vitalism and mislabels the naturopathic as scientific [as she was trained / miseducated to do]:

001. Meyer, M. (ND UBCNM) states in "About Naturopathic Medicine":

"there are six principles that serve as the foundation of naturopathic care [...#2] the healing power of nature - vis medicatrix naturae [...this is] at the core of naturopathic philosophy is the belief that human beings have an innate ability to heal [...] education: naturopathic doctors [...are educated within] a basic biomedical science foundation."

002. lets analyze this:

002.a. VMN, according to this ND's alma mater, UB, is the concept of vitalism.

Note: here's a larger collection.

002.b. also according to UB, naturopathy essentially is science.

002.c. but, most interesting, national science organizations such as the National Center for Science Education and the National Association of Biology Teachers emphasize that vitalistic theory is OUTSIDE of science / NOT science.

Note: this consensus statement was made before UBCNM opened / was approved by the State of Connecticut.

003. so, again, naturopathy falsely labeling as science what is hugely the science-ejected.

CT Complaint Archive -- Venn Diagrams Concerning Naturopathy & Science, 2003:

here, I post a scan of part of a complaint I filed with the State of Connecticut a few years ago that the State of Connecticut has apparently ignored, and I comment on CT from 6 years distance:

001. the 2003 Venn diagrams & verbiage:

Note: I'd titled this "the obfuscation." Literally: "the concealment of intended meaning in communication, making communication confusing, intentionally ambiguous, and more difficult to interpret." The "front stage" is subtitled "compatibles claim", by which I mean that naturopathy claims it is science, and therein that the naturopathic is scientific. Some of the labels they use [CT, UB, AANP & co.] are "health science", "nonsectarian", and "the modern science-based primary care physician". These are "the claims that drew me in" -- an inducement, under false pretenses. The science is claimed to be actual / "mainstream" since it is at a university, and overall naturopathy claims a "science-basis".

But, in actuality, underneath, this is their reality: "the back stage" or "incompatibles reality" is what's really going on. This is "the reality I discovered" in attending the University of Bridgeport and in researching. What we have is "sectarian science" a.k.a. "actual pseudoscience" which is 'science on the side' embedded within a belief-system not science supported in any manner and actually science-ejected. The essentially naturopathic is exterior to science. Particularly, their actual vitalism and teleology, and their metaphysicalisms [including their supernaturalisms]. This includes their pantheism, which when combined with their vitalism which they equate theistically, I have termed autoentheism.

I regard all this as vulgar, still -- "a mind-fuck". Yes, the whole racket is AANP "profession"-centered, by oath and degree. But, of course, to actually be a profession, you have to tell the truth and you have to be right.

002. my opinion of the State of Connecticut and accessories:

CT will not incriminate 'naturopathy's obvious education fraudulence' because CT approved the whole racket. By incriminating naturopathy, the State of CT incriminates themselves: particularly for not doing due diligence in the first place, and then not responding to complaints like mine. So, the case continues to be built, but I'm pretty sure that it will have to occur Federally. CT approved the UB program about 1997. They've [CT, UB, AANP & co.] too much to answer for financially since so much money has been spent and loaned towards a hugely fraudulent education program. Damages include those expenditures, and also the diversion from other accurately labeled education venues / careers.

Note: my graduate school debt increases on a daily basis. The graduate schools include: NYU [which I left, to go to UBCNM], UB / UBCNM [that big racket], the State University of CT, and other schools [where I continued research on all this]. These are loans that are not going to expire, and will follow me to my grave -- an amount in the six-figures. So, I'm guessing there's no statute of limitations on all this. I also refuse to pay towards any education loan. New York State has gotten involved because when I consolidated all these graduate school loans, that aggregate became the obligation of the State I'd first taken out a Federal loan in.

Homeopathy - WHO Says No to Such "Dangerous Quackery", UB Naturopathy Says Yes:

here, I look at two positions which are quite at odds regarding homeopathy -- a mandatory ND subject area for the degree, labeled a "clinical science" on their NPLEX licensing exam -- that of a proponent of scientific medicine [see 001., below], and that of an ND degree granting CT institution that falsely labels the profoundly nonscientific as science (specifically naturopathy and its 'essentially naturopathic' contents, such as homeopathy) [see 002., below]:

001. at Neurologica, Dr. Stephen Novella states in "WHO Says No to Homeopathy" (2009-08-21):

"the World Health Organization [WHO], which does not have a good track record when it comes to pseudoscience in medicine (being too much of a political organization), has recently made a number of statements against the use of homeopathy [...] this is good news, as homeopathy is dangerous quackery."

Note: Dr. N. further describes homeopathy as:

a) "a pre-scientific philosophy that it is based entirely on magical thinking and is out of step with the last 200 years of science";

b) "literally nothing but pure magical thinking";

and Dr. N. states:

c) "[homeopaths] want to re-frame the conflict between scientific medicine and homeopathy so that it is not about science (since they have already lost the scientific war) but about culture, politics, and ideology [...] homeopaths are much better at that than scientists who are dedicated to honesty and transparency."

002. but, according to the naturopathy establishment, e.g. the University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine [UBCNM] even though homeopathy is a "pre-scientific [...] dangerous quackery [...] based entirely on magical thinking":

002.a. it is required within an ND degree and labeled "medicine";

002.b. and, since within UB's label of naturopathy as science overall, homeopathy is labeled therein science;

Note: so, when is a supposed "medical science" actually not science at all but instead junk falsely labeled science?

Yes, naturopathy.

Uncoding Naturopathy's Essential Science-Ejected Vitalism Premise - NCANP, UBCNM:

here, I use my amazing powers of mundane rational thinking to decode naturopathy's central premise by employing the University of Bridgeport's Naturopathic College site [see 02. below] to show that the North Carolina Association of Naturopathic Physician's site is, as usual for naturopathy, not being contextually complete [to be polite; see 01. below] in representing naturopathy's central sectarian principle:

01. the North Carolina Association of Naturopathic Physicians [NCANP] states the "The Principles of Naturopathic Medicine":

"[#1, foremost and centrally, we believe in] the healing power of nature. Naturopathic medicine recognizes an inherit [sp., inherent] self-healing process in the person which is ordered and intelligent. Naturopathic physicians act to identify and remove obstacles to healing and recovery, and to facilitate and augment this inherent self-healing process";

Note: the terminology is "inherent self-healing process," and NCANP directs us in "Other Resources" to the University of Bridgeport College of Natural Medicine.

02. the University of Bridgeport states in "Six Guiding Principles: Guiding Principle # 1: The Healing Power of Nature":

"viz [sp., vis] medicatrix naturae: the body has the inherent ability to establish, maintain, and restore health. The healing process is ordered and intelligent [teleological]; nature heals through the response of the life force [vitalism]. The physician's role is to facilitate and augment this process";

Note: so, you are now 'in the know' about naturopathy's central principle -- a particular science-ejected belief.